# Ripping on macOS

Make sure to download the latest version of [X Lossless Decoder](https://tmkk.undo.jp/xld/index_e.html) and the [Log Checker plugin](https://sourceforge.net/projects/xld/files/XLDLogChecker-20201230.zip).

!!! tip
	Skip to [**Ripping**](#ripping) if you already have everything setup and wish to skip to the ripping part of the guide.

## **Setup**

The following should be done once when setting up the program.

### 1. Install

Open the DMG archive and drag XLD into your Applications folder.

![](/assets/img/xld/1.png){ width="450" }

### 2. Log Checker Plugin

In order to generate a checksum for each log produced, you will need the [Log Checker plugin](https://sourceforge.net/projects/xld/files/XLDLogChecker-20201230.zip). To install the plugin, unpack the archive and copy `XLDLogChecker.bundle` to `/Applications/XLD.app/Contents/PlugIns`.

Upon copying, you should see a new option `Log Checker...` under the XLD menu item.  

![](/assets/img/xld/2.png){: style="border-radius:10px;width:350px"}

### 3. Preferences
Open Preferences...

![](/assets/img/xld/3.png){: style="border-radius:10px;width:350px"}

Mimic the following options

![](/assets/img/xld/4.png){: style="width:500px"}

![](/assets/img/xld/5.png){: style="width:500px"}

The following track naming scheme (`Disc Number-Track Number. Title`) is recommended for all rips. Do not include folder parts in the scheme as the generated cuesheet will get messed up.

![](/assets/img/xld/6.png){: style="width:500px"}

![](/assets/img/xld/7.png){: style="width:500px"}

![](/assets/img/xld/8.png){: style="width:500px"}

![](/assets/img/xld/9.png){: style="width:500px"}

!!! note
	The `Read samples offset correction value` will automatically populate based on the optical drive connected and may not be the same value shown in the image above. You may verify this value by accessing the [AccurateRip Drive Offsets](http://accuraterip.com/driveoffsets.htm) page.

![](/assets/img/xld/10.png){: style="width:500px"}

To avoid embedding cover art using the metadata from CDDB, deselect *Cover Art* in CDDB --> Query Items.

![](/assets/img/xld/11.png){: style="border-radius:10px;width:650px"}

## **Ripping**

The following should be done for every rip.

### 1. Prerip

Upon inserting the audio CD, iTunes will automatically open. Select the Audio CD under Devices on the left pane and wait for iTunes to fetch the metadata using GraceNote.

![](/assets/img/xld/12.png){: style="width:750px"}

Open XLD and navigate to File --> Open Audio CD --> *Audio CD Name*

![](/assets/img/xld/13.png){: style="border-radius:10px;width:450px"}

After the program detects pre-gaps for the inserted disk, XLD will display all tracks with metadata (if any) from Apple Music.

![](/assets/img/xld/14.png){: style="width:750px"}

If Apple Music was unable to retreive any metadata, you can try to use CDDB to grab metadata. Click on *Get Metadata* and choose the matching disc from the dropdown.

![](/assets/img/xld/15.png){: style="width:750px"}

If CDDB could not fetch metdata, select a track and click *Edit Metdata* to change the values.

![](/assets/img/xld/16.png){: style="width:450px"}

### 2. Midrip

!!! warning
	Make sure the **Extraction Mode** (at the top) is set to **Include pre-gap except for HTOA**
!!! note
	If you would like to extract the hidden track one audio, you can rip the track again with the *Extraction Mode* set to *Include pre-gap for all tracks*. This will cause XLD to start ripping at sector 0 rather than the location of the initial track.

Click on *Extract* and choose a folder you would like to rip to. It's recommended for the folder name to be simple and consistent, for example `Album Artist - Album Title (Year) {Cat. No}`.

!!! warning
	Do not pick a folder which will include personal information in the folder path as they will be added to the generated rip log.

![](/assets/img/xld/17.png){: style="width:650px"}

### 3. Postrip

* Check the rip log with a logchecker. <small>See&nbsp;[Ripping&nbsp;CDs&nbsp;Properly](.)</small>

* It's recommended to make scans of your physical release.

* It's recommended to add a good quality cover.

{{ pageinfo(authors="John Deere", created="2021/10/23") }}

[^1]: <https://redacted.ch/wiki.php?action=article&id=4>
